The guys that take us up on this guided trip are always happy at the end of the day when they have caught the biggest river smallmouth of their life. This is a game changer. Lake Rhodhiss Events 21 miles Wildcat Lake Events 27 miles Lake Lure Events 28 miles Lake Hickory Events 35 miles W. Kerr Scott Reservoir Events 43 miles Bass Lake Events 52 miles Lake Norman Events 57 miles Lake Wylie Events 66 miles JULY 2023 July 4, 2023 Independence Day (U.S.) July 16 - 22, 2023 (10:00 AM) Tennessee River 600 The majority of these insects life besides terrestrials are spent underwater so nymph fishing is usually the best method for putting fish in the net. View Map We have spent the majority of our time in the boat this winter, but have had some excellent days wading the Catawba. SIGN UP NOW NEXT TOURNAMENT Super Tournament Season About to Get Underway; MLF Marshals Rave About Their Time With the Pros on Lake Murray; Mundy Crushes 40-10 on Sam Rayburn; 2021 BFL Schedule; The topwater bite should continue to get better with the water temperature warming up. A crayfish pattern isnt supposed to be fished fast and a fleeing minnow isnt supposed to be fished slow so Im big on informing my clients how fast you need to retrieve certain flies. The French Broad has been off colored for the last month, but I am okay with that because the less fishing pressure this summer means a better late summer/early fall bite. See Skeeter Real Money official rules here: Foothills Bonus Money ($200) is available to the winner of any/all Tuesday tournaments if the winner is fishing out of a Foothills Marine purchased boat. Austin Garland took 1st Place with 5 bass weighing 22.61 lbs worth $987.00! The Yadkin River is one of the longest rivers in North Carolina and is home to 4 lakes which include W. Kerr Scott Reservoir, High Rock Lake, Badin Lake, and Lake Tillery. Cole Weaver, center, and Dawson Bartlett are interviewed after the weigh-in. The five main insects in NC is stoneflies, caddis, midges, blue wing olives, and terrestrials. The North Carolina mountains boasts plenty of fisheries that contain wild and stocked trout. The Linville River drops 2000 feet in elevation as it meanders 12 miles through the steep gorge walls and eventually dumping into Lake James. To find out what the Tennessee River 600 is really all about (and no, it is not a race), check out our About Us page. Normally when they first stock the first will hit anything flashy in the color of pink and yellow. Water levels in the mountains of North Carolina are currently low which makes fishing more challenging that years past. Tiger trout are extremely rare in North Carolina. The good news is that the post spawn bite begins towards the later half of May and fishing will be great till the end of October. There is no membership fee for this trail. The reality of it is that most of the time thats not the case here in the mountains of NC. We look forward to seeing you on the water! The rainbow trout above was caught out of a delayed harvest stretch north of Asheville. If you are a beginner wanting to book your first float trip and learn the ropes of fishing from a boat then this stretch is for you. These lakes are named the Catawba River Chain of Lakes. We had a phenomenal day on the water this year and we managed to catch 51 total fish. The trout fishing in western North Carolina is excellent beginning in March and will continue well into June. We've heard of 7pound fish being caught and even bigger ones that have gotten away. Below is a resource for some of the lakes and rivers in the state that holds bass in them. Top Guns will be conducted with minimum 65 boat field, still have $20,000 first place, and a $2,000 big fish award. Zeb Koone and Joseph Gowan placed 14th with 9.84 pounds; Caden Gettys and Kaden Elkins were 18th with 8.60 pounds; and Jackson Dowdle and Mason Brewer placed 35th with 6.59 pounds. Morganton. The Yadkin River boasts a small population of smallmouth bass and a variety of other species. The Catawba Angler offers float trips and wade fishing trips for trout in the spring here in North Carolina. We are still running trips down there if clients want to chase trophy browns throwing streamers. 1331 N. Green Street P.O. We are starting to book up in September and October so do not hesitate to call to get your preferred date. The all-girl team of Macey Allison and Cameran Young placed fifth with an 11.91-pound bag. If you are a bass fishing Angler then the Nolichucky should be on your bucket list. I believe its one of the most fun trips we offer. Both species bite well in September and early October. Most anglers are focused on catching trout in the creeks and rivers that are stocked, but I would like to encourage you to consider chasing bronzebacks in the spring. The water temperature was 59 when we started and 63 when we finished. All seven McDowell teams were in the top 45 in a field of more than 80 duos. Lets get back to fishing. Bassmaster Elite Series champion Patrick Walters of nearby Summerville, S.C., will be among the field when the Bassmaster Elite Series heads to Columbia for the Marathon Bassmaster Elite at Lake Murray April 20-23. Our smallmouth season starts in March and ends in November. (opens in new window), Follow Foothills Marine Center on Instagram! The water temperatures range anywhere from 45 degrees to 67 degrees which is prime trout feeding water temperatures. If you are just getting into the sport then book a guide to help accelerate your growth and have a mentor that will teach you how to do things the right way. I prefer to fish sliders when the water is super low and clear because the slider doesnt have as much of a pop when it lands. The Linville Gorge is one of North Carolinas most remote and unchanged natural areas. The crowds are nonexistent this time of year so come enjoy the river to yourself. The complete 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League schedule, rules and payouts can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com. We ended up catching a bunch of 1 to 1.75 lb. They are a cross between a brown trout and a brook trout. Titans dominate Lake James tournament. Below are some highlights of some good fish we caught in August, 2022. Our half day floats are $300 and our full day floats are $400. Boatmust have been purchased by registered owner, directly from Foothills Marine. Need more information? If its dragging its lagging. Weve been picking fish up in the deeper runs on nymphs and streamers in the riffles. The last two weeks of September was nothing short of amazing. Float fishing has been best because we can cover so much more water than wade fishing. We strongly urge you to wear life jackets any time the big motor is running. Weve been fishing dark colors in water with less than a foot of clarity. During the 90s the NCWRC stocked thousands of brown trout from half-wild brood stocks into the gorge. From backcountry experiences to roadside pull offs there are plenty of trout fishing opportunities for the curious angler in North Carolina. (April 2023). We can handle last minute bookings, but if you want a preferred date contact us early. Weve been getting just enough rain to keep the rivers higher than years past, but still fishable. Its important to check the water temperatures on the wild trout streams because catching wild trout in water temperatures above 70 degrees can be fatal to the trout. We prefer to fish this river in the winter because its less crowded then and its a great time to rip big streamers for big fish. Twitch Em: In deep slow slack water I like to twitch the poppers because sometimes just a little movement on the legs can draw a strike. The trout fishing will be excellent on the delayed harvest stretches on the Catawba, Curtis, Mill, and the Toe Rivers. The reaction bite the last two weeks has been nothing short of amazing. It is named fortobacco tycoon and benefactor of Duke University, James Buchanan Duke. In the event of a tie for "big fish," the team with the heaviest total weight will be awarded the position. Fly fishing for river smallmouth in the NC mountains is hands down one of the best things to do when visiting Asheville. The Catawba Angler is a full time fly fishing guide service that provides fly fishing trips 12 months out of the year. The season, which began last fall, will culminate with the State Championship Tournament on Lake Norman May 21 and 22. Lift the rod tip up or wiggle it. Once the smallmouth are solely focused on spawning they arent actively eating. The North Carolina BASS Nation will hold 3 tournaments for the 2022 Season. You must fish 3 regular season tournaments to be eligible for our End-of-Year Championship Tournament. Young had to leave the tourney at 2 p.m. for another event, so Allison finished out the day by herself. This is our best fishery from November to the end of May. Fishing Tournament For Badin Lake & Lake Tillery We are getting a lot of repeat clients in the fall that want to chase those big smallmouth on fly or spinning tackle. We ask that you please bring your fish to the scales in a timely manner. As long as your boat meets the minimum requirements set in our official rules and regulations, you may fish our tournaments. Use this link to start your Nation Club today, Series rules specific to North Carolina Youth Trails, Lake James Wrap Up The first stop of the 2022-23 season for the North Carolina BASS High School and Junior Series was , The culmination of the entire East/West season for the 2021-22 North Carolina BASS High School and Junior Series was held at Lake , First, we would like to give a special shoutout to Skyline Marine for their generosity in hosting an open house complete with , The second stop of the Spring season for the 2021-22 North Carolina BASS High School and Junior Series was plagued again by . Daniel Boseman and Jordan Hughes take 1st Place On Kerr Lake, Mike Cathcart and Doug White Win on the Roanoke River. The pats rubber legs is a confidence pattern for me during the winter. In the winter time Im using 6-7x tippet. This is where we will hike into a backcountry creek and dry fly fish all day for rising trout. Roughly three weeks are left in the spring sports calendar in terms of the regular season action, and two of McDowell High Schools teams are , The McDowell Titans put themselves in a hole that probably felt about as steep as the walk from Enka High Schools baseball field back to the . Enjoy the photos. Bennett made a beautiful cast in the deep, slack water and the fish took off with the jig. Remember to still use light tippet this time of year. I attach my tippet to the tippet ring using an improved clinch knot that connects to my nymph. If, for any reason, anyone wishes to contest a fellow contestant's catch, it must be presented in writing within 15 minutes of weigh-in time. We would love to have you join the Carolina Bassers fishing club. This stretch has long, deep holes that hold good populations of bass in the summertime moving upstream from the lake looking for those cooler river temperatures. I recommend people to book at least 3-4 weeks in advance. Its visual. 2023 Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series at Possum Kingdom Lake powered by TourneyX June 3 - 4, 2023 View . If I could predict when the smallmouth turn on to topwater Id be a rich man. Crime fits a regional pattern. We can customize a fishing trip in western North Carolina that fits your needs. All the weight the fish packed on during the prespawn is worked off during the spawn. Check out some of our most recent catches from the Catawba. The team also weighed in the biggest fish, Weavers 4.32-pounder. These fish are prevalent in the 34 creeks and rivers that get stocked across the mountain region of NC. There was one day where the water got up to 84 degrees and we threw everything but the kitchen sink at the bass and they just werent responding. This 90 degrees angles helps get the flies straight down underneath the indicator. The clock is set back one hour at 2:00 AM (First Sunday in November). Below are two big fish we caught last year in early Spring. The Pigeon River is a trophy smallmouth river. Thanks for reading. There are more wild rainbow trout in the wild trout streams than any other species. The smallmouth fishing is best from the airport in Asheville to the East Tennessee line. It may also contain trademarks belonging to other companies. Henry says the kayak anglers are different. Its our goal to provide the best bass fishing guide experience in North Carolina. We offer half day trips for $300 for two anglers and full day trips for $400 for two anglers. Try this method the next time your own the water and see if it doesnt help put more fish in the net. Smallmouth start chasing during this time and there is no better time to throw moving baits. If youve been wanting to book a guided trip, but have been on the edge of deciding I would like to encourage you to book. Foothills Marine Center, as official tournament sponsor will have the final say in any disputes or rules infractions that may occur associated with a tournament event. The Wilderness Act of 1964 has protected the gorge from any human development. They are the most tolerant trout species and can live in waters upward of 70 degrees. North Carolina stocks some very large rainbow trout. All fish must me caught on a rod & reel using only artificial lures. Thats roughly the top 16% of the field. The water is unusually low on the Nolichucky so weve been spending the most time on the French Broad. fish, but hooked up with a true trophy at the end of the day. July is hot, but so is the fishing for river smallmouth. I am so proud of each and every one of them, said McDowell head coach Angie Allison. We havent had consistent weather since early June so weve had to keep a constant eye on the weather. Yes, there is a $25 membership fee for each angler that participates in the Eastern NC Bass Challenge. 899 Wildlife Recreation Area Access Road,Lexington, NC, 175 Wildlife Access Road, Hickory, NC 28601, 899 Wildlife Recreation Area Access Road, Lexington, NC, State Championships Lake Norman May 21-22, 2022. Alex recommended this gear for Lake James, NC. There is a healthy population of wild brown trout in the Davidson River so that is a good start for most anglers looking to catch one. The colder days are more challenging than the warmer ones but downsizing your flies on the colder days have been vital to our success. We will get back with you as quickly as possible. All Foothills Marine purchased boats qualify, regardless of make, model, or year. The state record rainbow trout in North Carolina weighed over 20 pounds and was caught out of a stream 60 miles from Asheville. Chartreuse on the sunny days and black on the overcast days. This was Bennetts personal best river smallmouth and the biggest smallmouth to hit my net this year. It was an ideal location for a river smallmouth to be holding. We provide all the waders, boots, rods, reels, and flies for our wading trips. However, as the winter grows colder, anglers have better luck if they target the lake's smallmouth bass. Any Team that participates in ALL of the Tuesday Night Tournaments will receive an automatic bid to fish the Championship. Your BASS member number is the 9-digit number that appears on your Bassmaster Magazine label. 4th In the James River Points $150. Life is good for anglers and guides here in western North Carolina. There is nothing better than catching one of these native fish using a fly rod. Give us a call to get in on the action this year. These fish have been in our creeks since God created the world. The key to having a successful day is finding somewhat clear water. The river has an abundant supply of baitfish and crayfish that is needed to grow trophy river smallmouth. Like Foothills Marine Center on Facebook! The Catawba River and Linville River that flows into Lake James offers good wade fishing for smallmouth bass. In February of 2020, a 7 pound, 3 ounce smallmouth was caught by Ken Whitesides. Using poppers to catch river smallmouth is by far the most exciting way to fly fish. These fish lack the beauty of the native brook trout but are still pretty fish nonetheless. We should be drying out here in the mountains over the next month and the fishing on the French Broad should be excellent. The ones that make it past the first year grow to some trophy sizes. I have decided to do this for the people who doesnt have alot of disposable income. The current water temperature coming out the dam is 67 degrees. Enjoy our recent catches from some of the best rivers in North Carolina. It is your responsibility to measure your fish before bringing them to the scales. Father/Son team of Fry & Fry win over $20,000 on day 2 at LbJ with 20.72 lbs. Bassmaster. The NC mountains provide year round fly fishing opportunities for trout and smallmouth bass which is great for people looking to get on the water anytime of the year. The Blue Ridge Mountains located in NC are a sector of the bigger Appalachian Mountain range that extends more than 500 miles. Id like to highlight the four trout species that are available in our public waters. April 14, 2023 Lake Murray primed to shine as Bassmaster Elite Series visits for first time in 12 years . The Championship will be a Free Entry Tournament for all qualifying teams. North Carolinas fisheries biologist will say Jordan Reservoir is the best lake in the state. I couldnt do it without her support. The Catawba, Tuckaseegee, and Toe Rivers will be receiving its first stocking of 2023, the first week of March so trout fishing here in the mountains is about to be lights out. I want to thank my savior Jesus Christ for creating these wonderful fisheries and beautiful places that I get the opportunity to work in every day! The bigger fish in the Tailrace are definitely carnivorous because the smaller stocked trout are their main food source. All Day. The smallmouth bite has been lights out all summer long and we have consistently been catching quality fish on every trip. 5th In the James River Points $100. Phantom Outdoors Opens TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR Brett Collins PHONE: 803.413.7521 EMAIL: catttrail1@gmail.com TOURNAMENT NEWS & UPDATES Use PHANTOMCATT15 at check out and earn 15% off your order! Optional Sidepot - $50. The 2023 season will feature over $2,200,000 in guaranteed prizes and payouts with events in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, New York, North . We also guarantee a $2,000 1st place prize when we have 60 boats or more competing. Winter trout fishing here in North Carolina has been excellent. Tournament Scedule Results and Standing View Results This is the time fly anglers can get by with throwing 4-6 inch streamers on sinking lines. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. $5.00 from each entry will be withheld for the championship (Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022) and an additional $5.00 from each entry will be withheld to pay the Top 10 in total points at seasons end. A NC BASS Nation tournament is the first step to making your way to the BASS Master Classic. If you dont have enough time in your schedule to join us for the entire trip, check out our 2011 itinerary (we will have the 2012 itinerary available as the event gets closer) and consider joining us for just a day or two. By Invitation based on past BFCS Performance, Open Registration in person at Collin's Inc, and lastly by Open Registration Online until 65 boat field is entered. Its important to always be flexible with your game plan on the water. The last river that is worthy of mentioning in the bass fishing guide in North Carolina is the Pigeon River. I Have Jon Boat, Can I Fish Your Tournaments? The Prachyls wanted to fish a smaller smallmouth river so we did just that and had a great day targeting smallmouth using spinning tackle. The fishing in the spring is consistent all day long because of the suitable water and air temps. We been wading some new stretches of river which has been fantastic. Kenneth Witek & Russell Kessler win over $20,000 on day 1 at LBJ. The lake also has largemouth bass. Lake Norman Phantom Outdoors Classic Dec 1-2, 2023! And, as you will see, it makes a difference. The Nolichucky has been clear and low so weve been taking the majority of fly fishing clients there. We throw a bunch of cinnamon ants, beetles, and grasshoppers. July and August is excellent for catching smallmouth on topwater! Its good to pop poppers in deeper water close to ledges because weve caught some good smallmouth drumming them up in deep water. The North Carolina Bass Federation. The Catawba Tailrace offers some of the best brown trout fishing in North Carolina. 2023 Strike King Bassmaster College Series at James River presented by Bass Pro Shops April 21 - 22, 2023 View Series . The lake has a good population of smaller striped bass, but its not uncommon to catch 20 pound fish. Once a boater launches their boat, they are on the water. Allison and Padgett were ninth overall and Bartlett and Weaver 13th headed into the Lake James event. American Bass Anglers (256)232-0406 Open Series Presented by Caymas Boats Division 5 North Carolina Director: Rodney Michael (256)497-0967 Next Scheduled Event: ( Register Now) Online Registration Cut Off or Late Fee Begins: A Package Registration signs you up for all five events within this division. There are no upcoming tournaments for this Series. In an effort to make this series as fair to everyone as possible, the following rules are presented to insure everyone is treated as equal in each and every tournament. The key to this fishery being successful is the survival rate of these stocked fish. Normally by the second week of March the river smallmouth are moving out of their wintering holes and starting their annual prespawn ritual which involves bulking up for the spawn. 4th through 6th place will be two (2) point increments with 4th receiving 92 points and 6th receiving 88 points. The Catawba Tailrace and Tuckaseegee River systems offers some great streamer fishing in March, April, and May. If you have never experienced the smallmouth fishing or trout fishing in October then give us a call. Copyright 2023 North Carolina High School Bass Fishing | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. The state also stocks the first week of each of these months so there are a lot of fish to target in the creek. The river through the gorge is both wild and powerful in places. A lot of times Ill run wool as an indicator since it is such a delicate presentation. The paid entry fee applies only to the very next tournament in the series and can not be carried forward past that date. Another river worth mentioning when talking about bass fishing in North Carolina is the Nolichucky River. (opens in new window) Follow Foothills Marine Center on Instagram! Register for Tournament; Team Trail Results 2023; AOY 2023; . Unlike most impoundments, Lake James is created by three dams. I also want to thank him for the clients he allows me to fish with because its a cool experience getting to show people the fisheries I have grown up on and fished my whole life. We do have jobs so please leave a message and call back number. The smaller flies below have been productive for me on the DH section of the Catawba and Tuck. If float fishing isnt your thing then we got some excellent wade fishing opportunities chasing stocked and wild trout. First will hit anything flashy in the riffles of Fry & amp ; Russell Kessler win over 20,000! Young had to leave the tourney at 2 p.m. for another event, so Allison finished out dam. Are still running trips down there if clients want to chase trophy browns streamers... 80 duos your bucket list the dam is 67 degrees which is prime trout feeding water temperatures range anywhere 45. Bartlett are interviewed after the weigh-in Angler that participates in the deep, slack water and see if it help! 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